A ham radio contest is an on-air event in which licensed
operators compete to collect as many contacts as possible on
specific bands within a specified time. There are indeed
winners of these contests, but most hams participate
for the rush, the test of endurance, and the sheer experience.
Also, contesting is an accelerated method of obtaining awards
such as Worked All States, and it's a way of preparing
for emergency communication by HF.
Times listed are for US Mountain Time, and all HF frequencies
are ± QRM, unless otherwise specified.

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